Everyone in Tishrin tunnels has a story to tell
The fighters in the Tishrin tunnels pursue both a physical struggle and a historical mission, playing a vital role in achieving freedom and justice.
The fighters in the Tishrin tunnels pursue both a physical struggle and a historical mission, playing a vital role in achieving freedom and justice.
Every phase of the Tishrin resistance is shaped by epic stories that touch the lives of its fighters. At this very moment, I witnessed the unwavering resistance of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) fighters. This is a historic moment, and I feel compelled to narrate these epics and the stories of the fighters' resistance.
Yes, a group of SDF and YPJ fighters was together in the tunnels of resistance. In these recent days of struggle, they share their experiences of this challenging fight with one another. I watch and listen to these fighters as they recount their stories. From their conversations, it is clear that they have been in intense battles with the enemy forces. Those days were grueling. However, what stands out is the light of resistance and the joy of fighting in their eyes as they speak about those clashes and moments of defiance. The adrenaline and excitement of the moment are reflected in their words. At the same time, their discussions are not just about reminiscing; they intensely focus on developing new strategies against the enemy, exchanging ideas, and making tactical suggestions.
This aspect of the fighters' resistance is now more evident than ever. No matter what, each fighter contributes to this struggle with their revolutionary strategy, diverse tactics, and accumulated experience. This clearly demonstrates how they focus on the war’s purpose and its historical objectives, shaping their strategies accordingly. The fighters are engaged not only in a physical battle but also in a determined effort to fulfill a historical mission. Their strategic approach plays a critical role not only in the course of the war but also in the realization of freedom and justice. They have fully committed themselves to this objective, unwavering in their pursuit of victory.
As I listen to the conversations of the fighters, their courage, determination, and resilience inspire and deeply affect me. The SDF-YPJ fighters continue their resistance, overcoming every obstacle and the relentless attacks of enemy gangs. Their unwavering determination in this struggle embodies both hope and conviction. This is why their resistance is not just about survival; it is a testament to their steadfast resolve to reach a historical turning point with persistence and determination.
The fighters retreated to rest after an intense day of battle, sharing their memories and experiences with one another. They spoke of how, despite the Turkish state's support for the gangs with war and reconnaissance aircraft, the enemy forces were unable to withstand their resistance. The Turkish occupying army had been forced to retreat, a significant morale boost for the fighters, strengthening their determination even further. Under the harsh conditions in the resistance tunnels, resources are extremely limited. A small gas burner is one of the few available necessities. The fighters look for ways to make coffee, yet they have no coffee pot, and finding one is nearly impossible. So, they improvise, preparing their coffee with whatever they can find.
I watch them, and this moment becomes a beautiful and meaningful snapshot of life itself. As the coffee sits atop the small burner, steam rises, carrying its aroma through the tunnel. Soon, a delicate layer of foam forms on the surface.
The fighters savor their coffee, especially on days when they have successfully repelled enemy advances. For the first time, I witnessed how much joy a simple cup of coffee could bring. I couldn’t resist capturing the moment with a photograph; it was truly special. There is a reason why I chose to share this coffee moment. Why? There is a profound saying in war and struggle: "As in life, so in battle." A person’s stance, thoughts, practices, and character traits influence both their everyday life and their actions on the battlefield. In other words, an individual's way of life and personality inevitably manifest themselves in moments of crisis or extreme circumstances such as war.
The fighters put in great effort to prepare the coffee, doing everything they could. Finding coffee in the Tishrin resistance tunnels was no easy task. One group of fighters carried a small gas stove into the tunnel, while another fighter brought the coffee. Since there was no traditional pot, they improvised by using a bottle (lalîk). In the end, they managed to make it work. This approach reflects how SDF-YPJ fighters operate in battle. Their resistance is diverse and powerful. For instance, when Turkish-backed militants begin an attack from one side of a tunnel, the fighters maneuver and strike from another direction.
If one weapon proves ineffective, they switch tactics and continue the fight with another method. No matter the challenge, they persist until they achieve their goal. Their way of life is deeply intertwined with war, and their ability to unite their strength forms an unbreakable whole. This resilience and strategic adaptability are the reasons why SDF-YPJ fighters have succeeded in the Tishrin resistance tunnels.